Bubble season is back! With most networks finalizing their fall lineup in the next week or so, it’s time to take a guess at what shows will stay and what shows will be going to that big TV in the sky. Like last year, we’ll look at the four major networks. And due to popular demand, the reality shows we know about will also be listed. With that said, let’s get the party started. CBS Network, come on down!
CBS:
Still the overall leader in viewers, but the problems from last year are back. Older shows cost more money than younger shows. And even though established favorites like “Cold Case” and “Medium” win their time slots, they cost a lot. Look for one of those two shows to get cut and replaced with some type of reality show like “Undercover Boss.” And the smart money is on “Numb3rs” not coming back either. The season finale was basically written like a series finale, just in case. The Tuesday night lineup of NCISs and “The Good Wife” has helped the network so the cuts may not be too intense.
Already Renewed: The Amazing Race, The Big Bang Theory, The Good Wife, How I Met Your Mother, NCIS: Los Angeles, Survivor, Two and a Half Men,
More than likely safe: Accidentally on Purpose, Criminal Minds, all three CSI:’s, Gary Unmarried, Ghost Whisperer, Medium, The Mentalist, NCIS, The New Adventures of Old Christine, Rules of Engagement
On the bubble, but probably gone: Cold Case, Numb3rs
Already gone: Three Rivers
The CW:
Things are very much up in the air for the youngest of the networks. The “Melrose Place” relaunch hasn’t held viewers in like planned so it could be in trouble. “Life Unexpected” is loved by critics, but the ratings haven’t reflected that. So the old shows are keeping this ship running. But how long can that continue?
Safe shows: 90210, America’s Next Top Model, Gossip Girl, Smallville, Supernatural, The Vampire Diaries
Looking pretty good: One Tree Hill
On the bubble: Life Unexpected, Melrose Place
It was on for like two weeks but we have to still mention it: The Beautiful Life: TBL
FOX:
“American Idol” has shown that it can be beat. And with the departure of Simon Cowell looming, there is now a question of how long the gravy train can last. And Jack Bauer is moving from TV to the big screen, so “24” will be gone as well. But the cartoon comedies are safe this year.
So safe it’s almost frightening: American Dad, Bones, The Cleveland Show, Family Guy, Fringe, Glee, The Simpsons
Pretty safe: American Idol, House, Human Target, Lie to Me
Most are gone forever, but one will be a movie: 24, Brothers, Dollhouse, Sons of Tucson, ‘Til Death
ABC:
It started out as a great year for the network, but everything wound up getting hurt by the Olympics on NBC. The most hyped show of the fall, “V,” is in danger of getting canceled its the long hiatus. Multiple changes to “Grey’s Anatomy” have the show being watched by fewer people. And one times ratings winner “Ugly Betty” has left with only a whimper. And “Lost” is so confusing I just refuse to talk about it. However, “Modern Family” was a surprise hit for the alphabet network and “Dancing with the Stars” has shown it can compete and beat “Idol.”
Super safe: Brothers & Sisters, Cougar Town, The Middle, Modern Family
Probably coming back: The Bachelor, Dancing with the Stars, Desperate Housewives, Grey’s Anatomy, Private Practice
On the bubble or the bubble has already burst: Better Off Ted, The Deep End, Hank, Lost, FlashForward, The Forgotten, Scrubs, Ugly Betty, V
NBC:
Oh man. This was a fun mess to watch. Jay Leno, Conan, The number four network had a hard time this year. All of their comedies are award winning, but don’t have the ratings of their competition. Once ratings leader “Heroes” is barely talked about. “Trauma” is crazy expensive. And now (a little breaking news for you) LAW & ORDER is gone after 20 YEARS! There will be a newer L&O set in Los Angeles, but still.
Safe: 30 Rock, Chuck, Community, The Office, Parenthood, Parks and Recreation,
Should be back:The Biggest Loser, Celebrity Apprentice, Law & Order: SVU
On the bubble: Heroes, Mercy, Trauma
Show that started all of this season’s mess: The Jay Leno Show
Show we’ll miss the most: Law and Order
Thankfully, you can find reruns of Law & Order on almost every day. Thank you TNT Network!
